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lactose intolerance - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Lactose intolerance : Inability to digest lactose, a component of milk and most other dairy products. Lactose is sometimes also used as an ingredient in other foods, so those with a lactase deficiency should check labels carefully. ...
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lactose intolerance - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)
lactose intolerance, Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

About lactose intolerance (Source: Medem)
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), between 30 million and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a condition that results from a deficit of lactase, an enzyme produced by the cells lining the small intestine. Lactase is necessary to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. When sufficient lactase is not present, lactose is not properly broken down in the small bowel and travels through the intestines unchanged. In the intestines, undigested lactose has a laxative effect and stimulates the growth of bacteria that produce significant amounts of gas. Within 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting lactose, abdominal cramping and diarrhea often occur. These symptoms are essential to a diagnosis of lactose intolerance. ...
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eMedicineHealth Lactose intolerance

Frequently Asked Questions for lactose intolerance (Source: MedicineNet)
What is lactose intolerance?
What causes lactose intolerance?
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
How are lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Elimination diet
Milk challenge
Breath test
Blood glucose test
Stool acidity test
Intestinal biopsy
What are the sources of lactose in the diet?
How is lactose intolerance treated?
What are the long-term consequences of lactose intolerance?
What is new in lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance at a glance

Causes of lactose intolerance (Source: MedLinePlus)
Lactose intolerance happens when the small intestine does not make enough of the enzyme lactase. Babies' bodies make this enzyme so they can digest milk, including breast milk. Before humans became dairy farmers, most people did not continue to drink milk, so their bodies did not make lactase after early childhood. Lactose intolerance is more common in Asian, African, African-American, Native American, and Mediterranean populations than it is among northern and western Europeans. Lactose intolerance can begin at different times in life. In Caucasians, it usually starts to affect children older than age 5. In African-Americans, lactose intolerance often occurs as early as age 2. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults and is not dangerous. Approximately 30 million American adults have some amount of lactose intolerance by age 20. Lactose intolerance is sometimes seen in premature babies. Children who were born at full term generally do not show signs of lactose intolerance until they are at least 3 years old. Not having enough lactase (lactase deficiency) may also occur as a result of intestinal diseases such as celiac sprue and gastroenteritis , or after bowel surgery. Temporary lactase deficiency can result from viral and bacterial infections, especially in children, when the cells lining the intestine are injured. ...
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Symptoms of lactose intolerance (Source: MedLinePlus)
Abdominal bloating ; Abdominal cramps; Diarrhea; Floating stools ; Foul-smelling stools ; Gas ( flatulence ); Malnutrition ; Nausea; Slow growth ; Weight loss. Symptoms often occur after you eat or drink milk products, and are often relieved by not eating or drinking milk products. Large doses of milk products may cause worse symptoms. ...
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lactose intolerance - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)
Removing milk products from the diet usually improves the symptoms. However, not having milk in the diet can lead to a shortage of calcium, vitamin D , riboflavin, and protein . Add other sources of calcium to the diet if you remove milk products. Most people with low lactase levels can tolerate 2 - 4 ounces of milk at one time (up to one-half cup). Larger (8 oz.) servings may cause problems for people with some amount of milk intolerance. These milk products may be easier to digest: Buttermilk and cheeses (they have less lactose than milk); Fermented milk products, such as yogurt; Goat's milk (but drink it with meals, and make sure it is supplemented with essential amino acids and vitamins if you give it to children); Ice cream, milkshakes, and aged or hard cheeses; Lactose-free milk and milk products; Lactase-treated cow's milk for older children and adults; Soy formulas for infants younger than 2 years; Soy or rice milk for toddlers. You can add lactase enzymes to regular milk or take them in capsule or chewable tablet form. You may need to find new ways to get calcium into your diet (you need 1,200 - 1,500 mg of calcium each day): Take calcium supplements; Eat foods that have more calcium (leafy greens, oysters, sardines, canned salmon, shrimp, and broccoli); Drink orange juice that contains added calcium. Read food labels. Lactose is also found in some non-milk products -- including some beers. ...
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News on lactose intolerance
Lactose Intolerance Doesn't Mean Goodbye to Dairy (MedicineNet)
Health Tip: Getting Calcium If You're Lactose Intolerant (MedicineNet)

Further Reading on lactose intolerance
  • Lactose Intolerance - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    If you think you have lactose intolerance , it is a good idea to talk it over with your doctor.
  • Lactose Intolerance - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    Lactose intolerance means the body cannot easily digest lactose , a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
  • Food Allergy Treatments ( WebMD )
    ...foods; these reactions are unrelated to any physiologic effect of the food or food additive, and the second is food intolerance ...hours to evolve. The second category is food intolerance . These...
  • Food Allergies: Where to Find Common Triggers ( WebMD )
    If you have a food allergy , shopping for groceries or dining out can be daunting . Is your food ...or headaches from wine. If you're lactose intolerant, you likely get diarrhea if you...or milk.
  • Diarrhea,Age 12 and Older - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    Diarrhea occurs when there is an increase in the number of bowel movements or bowel movements are ...anxiety, or food digestion problems (such as lactose intolerance ) cause diarrhea. Repeated...


  • Bottle-Feeding - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    Note : This topic discusses bottle - feeding formula . For information about bottle - feeding your baby breast milk , see the topic ...want to feed their baby animal products. Lactose -free formulas,
  • Food Allergies and Food Intolerance ( WebMD )
    WebMD provides an overview of food allergies and intolerances , their symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments.
  • Dr. Andrew Weil's Diet ( WebMD )
    WebMD evaluates the Dr. Andrew Weil diet, starting with a basic overview ...African-American descent -- have some degree of difficulty digesting these (usually from lactose intolerance ), and others...
  • Flatulence (Gas) ( WebMD )
    Flatulence is the state of having excessive stomach or intestinal gas...flatulence is lactase deficiency, which results in a decreased ability to digest lactose , a natural sugar found in milk and...
  • Gastroenteritis ( WebMD )
    Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines ...water. Some foods may irritate your stomach and cause gastroenteritis. Lactose intolerance to...


  • Intolerance, lactose ( MedicineNet )
  • Intolerance, lactose ( eMedicineHealth )

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